Dr. Ann Marie Murphy's article argues that, contrary to predictions
made by power transition theories that states respond to rising powers
by balancing against or bandwagonning with them, Thailand has reacted
to China's rise with no fundamental change in its alignment
posture. Thailand sees little threat but much opportunity in
China's rise. Thailand is clearly not balancing; it has taken few
measures to enhance its military capability or strengthen its alliance
with the U.S. The policy implications of these findings are that
the U.S. should not to take access to Thai bases or Thai support for a
balancing coalition against China for granted.